Intel has revealed the reference spec for its new 'Ultrabook' systems in an attempt to allay OEM fears that these will be high-priced niche devices.

A reference spec for two devices has been unveiled:

An 18mm thick device with a screen size between 11-13-inches with a reference BOM (bill of materials) of between $475 - $650

A 21mm thick device with a 14-17-inch screen with a reference BOM (bill of materials) of between $493 - $710

This price point is interesting since it would mean that the cheaper 'ultrabooks' would retail for less than the $1,000 MacBook Air mark.

'Ultrabooks' are to fill in the gap between tablets and notebooks - something the size and weight of a tablet, but the performance of a notebook.

According to the current rumors, these systems will make use of module-based components as opposed to soldering components directly onto the motherboard (to increase flexibility and reduce cost) and will feature aluminum-based unibody chassis or fiberglass chassis.

Does this design sound a bit like Apple's MacBook Air? It does to me, and Asus's prototype UX21 also looks a lot like the MacBook Air;

One question remains - is there a market for 'ultrabooks'? Netbooks sales have taken a big dive over the past year or so, and Apple has been selling millions of iPads ...

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology -- whether that be by learning to program, building a PC from a pile of parts, or helping them get the most from their new MP3 player or digital camera.Adrian has authored/co-authored technic...
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All opinions expressed on Hardware 2.0 are those of Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. Every effort is made to ensure that the information posted is accurate. If you have any comments, queries or corrections, please contact Adrian via the email link here. Any possible conflicts of interest will be posted below. [Updated: February 23, 2010] - Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has no business relationships, affiliations, investments, or other actual/potential conflicts of interest relating to the content posted so far on this blog.